He also directed the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) team to expedite the remaining finishing activities and ready it by mid-February.

The ISBT is poised to become a crucial transit hub not only for the residents of Odisha but also for those from neighbouring states.

According to an official release, Pandian took stock of the facilities provided for commuters, including waiting areas, sanitation facilities, bus bays, upcoming F&B outlets, lighting installations, and restroom facilities. He appreciated the Operation Control Centre ( OCC). Pandian also directed officials to make provision of proper Odia signages and map facility to guide the commuters.

Once operationalised, ISBT, spread over 15.5 acre, will serve as the biggest bus terminus in the state handling more than 500 buses and thousands of passengers daily. The terminal has been designed to provide a world-class travel experience to passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as state-of-the-art Aahaar Centre, restaurants, multi-storey car parking, pick-up/drop-off facility, solar panel system, and sewage treatment plant.

It also has provisions for police facilitation centre to ensure safety of passengers, administrative building for managing the terminal operations, toilet facilities for passengers, ramp facilities for the convenience of passengers with disabilities, and baby feeding rooms for mothers travelling with infants. Besides, there will be children’s play area, a primary health clinic, and additional parking for seasonal buses.

The feel and experience will be that of an airport, the release added.